Modeling Realistic Human Behavior in Disasters. A Rapid Literature Review of Agent-Based Models Reviews

Abstract

Agent-based models of human behaviors in emergencies are extremely important in prevention, preparedness, response and mitigation of crises. However, there is huge variation in the modeling of human cognitions and actions, with varying degrees of realism and even more diverse definitions of how realism should be implemented in the models. The aim of this Rapid Literature Review is to identify existing patterns in modelling realistic behaviours in simulation models of disasters and crises, but also to identify gaps in existing literature on the basis of a qualitative assessment of review papers on the topic. We analyze eight papers (identified through a search of 68 papers in the Scopus database) that review ABM models designed either to investigate general behaviors in emergencies (i.e., evacuations) or reactions to specific crises (i.e., Covid-19). Our analysis shows that while all the papers agree in advocating for more realism in modeling human behavior, very little has been done in terms of designing agents, interactions and environments that can be considered realistic.